If there was ever a year to meditate on the Prince of Peace, this is it! The Christmas story radiates peace in a myriad of ways that can comfort and guide us through the season. The prophesied Prince of Peace was born at the perfect place and time; an event planned long before His arrival on earth.
Isaiah 9:6
The Prophet Isaiah said this about the Promised Messiah:
“For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV)
Each one of these names describes an aspect of Jesus’ character; they describe who He is and His many roles. As the Prince of Peace, Jesus brings the gift of peace into our lives in countless ways.
Peace with God
The very first birth announcement came from the angels to the shepherds. It begins this way in Luke 2:14-
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (NIV).
What is the gift of peace?
When Jesus died for our sins and settled our debt of guilt, He made peace between God and man. Because of Jesus, we have peace with God!
Paul described it this way:
“Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 NIV.
Peace of God
Jesus’ birth signaled the beginning of our rescue, and His death brought the gift of salvation and peace with God. Jesus also brings the peace of God into our lives.
We face problems every day that try to rob us of His peace. Jesus comforted his disciples by explaining His peace differs from what the world gives:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV.
Did you catch Jesus saying He gives us His peace? It’s a gift; not something we work for or earn. We choose whether to accept the gift of His peace.
Accept the gift, hand over your burdens to Him, and experience His perfect peace. (Disclaimer: I am still a “work in progress” in this area.. sometimes it’s hard!) ♥
The peace of God that Jesus gives is not temporary, but lasting. We can overcome our daily problems with “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” that “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.
Peace at Christmas
The Christmas season can be an exhausting and stressful time if we let it. We receive a great lesson in how to experience peace at Christmas from the story of Jesus’ birth.
Mary and Joseph had just been through a season of unimaginable stress. An unplanned pregnancy with whispers from friends and neighbors couldn’t have been a welcome experience.
Then, as the due date was creeping closer, the Romans forced Mary and Joseph into a long trip to pay taxes and register for the census.
As we saw in last week’s post on Mary, her words never exhibit a spirit of fear. She was “troubled” at the first words of the Angel Gabriel, but from then on, we see her willing, humble, trusting spirit and a joyful song of praise to God. She fully experienced the peace of God in her situation.
Joseph of Nazareth
Matthew tells us Joseph’s story in the birth of Jesus in Chapter 1:18-23. While we don’t know how Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, we are told “Joseph was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” (v19)
Joseph had two options according to the law of the day. He could quietly divorce Mary or have her stoned. Can you imagine facing that situation?
Thankfully, God had an alternative and expressed it to Joseph in a dream. We know that, at peace with the situation, Joseph followed God’s direction and guidance.
In both cases, we see the peace of God settle on to this couple. Even as they make their 70-mile trek into the busy, bustling city of Bethlehem and find there is nowhere to stay, we do not hear of grumbling or complaint. Their peace came from complete trust in God.
This is the kind of peace I want to experience each and every Christmas!
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Jesus Brings Peace
While the details are scant, I always picture a quiet, peaceful scene in that stable; just the two of them gazing down at the miracle of their newborn son. They were the parents of the long-awaited Messiah!
The Prince of Peace was not born in a royal palace, but a humble stable. Mary and Joseph were the earthly parents of God’s own Son. I can’t help but think He gave them a deep sense of peace that night.
Jesus is Our Peace
The birth of Jesus was the culmination of a long-planned transformation of our world. Jesus wanted to bring peace and love to replace chaos and hate. The name Prince of Peace speaks to His mission.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV.
Jesus was victorious over sin and death. He conquered the world at the cross. When we apply this truth to our own lives, we can claim the peace of Christ for ourselves in any situation.
Jesus, Prince of Peace
Jesus is the supreme peacemaker, making peace between God and us. Nothing can limit His peacemaking. It even extends to peace between us and our fellow man.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 NIV.
He modeled for us how to live our lives. Peacemaker is just one of His many attributes.
Paul reminds us: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15 NIV.
We can resolve all conflicts (whether in our own hearts or with others) by letting Jesus’ peace be the decision-maker.
Peace of the Holy Spirit
We experience true peace by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. We don’t create it on our own, but when we daily fix our eyes on Jesus, we can experience His peace.
Amid conflicts and circumstances that try to rob us of our peace, we can choose like Mary and Joseph did- trust in His faithfulness and love and experience peace. Fuel yourself with His Word this Christmas and reacquaint yourself with the story of His birth.
My prayer for you this Christmas is that you feel His true peace within and extend it to those around you. Spending time in this busy season with your Prince of Peace melts the stresses and unrest of the world away. May His peace flow through you without ceasing and no matter what circumstances bring.
“May the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace always in every way.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV
Christmas Blessings!
AnnMarie
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Loved this, Ann….one of my favorites is this comment that you made:
“Jesus left His throne in Heaven with only us and our salvation on His mind.”
Never really thought about it in exactly this way but so true and so encouraging!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you too Cindy! I wonder what a shock it must have been for Him.. and lonely? So many questions! Answers in heaven 🙂
Merry Christmas to you too, AnnMarie! I love everything you shared, but this is so wonderful: “We can resolve all conflicts (whether in our own hearts or with others) by letting Jesus’ peace be the decision-maker.” All year, there is such POWER in the name of Jesus, our Peace. Thank you for your beautiful ministry!
Thank you Nancy! There is power in His name!! I so appreciate your encouragement:)